The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-04-09

tavern keeping was not consistent
with true church life. He quit and
went to Iowa, while she was yet a
territory. He has not been heard OF
for many years.
In 1889 Alexander McCurdy came
to the Crossings from little tavern
few miles east of Cumberland. He
ran the Crossings house for several
years in a lively manner. 1t was
then stopping place for the stages.
These advantages were great boons to
inn keeping, and they would bid and
under bid for them-believe it is now
called "undercutting." Stage wars
were as common in those days-a
little later perhaps-as railroad wars
are of this day. Passengers were
some times carried for nothing, and
mealed besides. These sperts never
lasted long. McCurdy remained here
about two years, then removed to
Keyersridge, where he quit the bust.
ness in 1912, unsuccessfully-:oo gen.
erOus. Went to Virginia and became
contractor. and died some years
ago. He was born in Ireland, but
was an intense American from the
Wing standpoint. He had two BROTH
ers, John and Samuel, the former an
elegant gentleman, scholar and law
yer of the modest type, but none the
worse for that. He was our teacher
for quarter in log school house,
with slab benches, &C., in the winter
of 1904. Samuel was full of ro-
nance of the heroic kind. Went
through and through all the wars of
his adopted country since he swore
to support it. He is now at the Sol
diers Home, Hampton. Virginia, GO
years old, done with "love and war;"
once his amusements.
During the winter named, the
writer was domiciled here as school
boy. On very cold frosty afternoon
In February, several coaches drove
up to the hotel for dinner, With un-
usual vim and style. Boy like we
ran to see, or learn the cause of the
dash. We saw descending from the
coach an aged, but distinguished
looking man of slow, feeble step,
with complexion and hair bleached
unto full whiteness, deeply wrapped
in fancy macinaw blankets. 1t was
Gen. Harrison, President-elect, on
his way to Washington, to be inau.
gurated. His appearance was awe
inspiring to yOuth-something like
old Gov. Thomas in his last days,
though more feeble. He lived only
six weeks, then came confusion and
disappointment, instead of expected
and needed reform. Was it not
enough to kill stronger man than
he by dragging him for many hum
dred miles in uncomfortable coaches
over mountains in mid winter of old
time severity? Such a thing now
would be barbarism.
One other worthy host presided
here several years, covering the
memorable political campaign Of
l844-Wm. r. Dawson. He kept
several other hotels before then and
after. He used to furnish the Wings
with teams and wagons for their pro-
cessi.ns and shows in that hard bat.
tie. 1t was willingly done, as he was
a communicate in that good old
church. The Wing party was patri'
otto, intelligent and pure, but toe
whigish, hence it's lamented death
On the other hand its great rival wal
then too Democratic, but subse.
quently too little so, entirely. These
are now our we'll considered and ma
ture convictions. Nearly forgot t.
say Dawson in his more early life
held important Offices, among then
Sheriff of Allegany county.
One more and then your rea DER
will have the last of this tedious sub
ject.
T